Combine that with Bale's sky high wages and you're looking at a total sum of around £349m over the course of a five year contract. Even Manchester United, one of the biggest sporting brands in the world, would struggle to cobble that together.

Bale would not solve all of United's problems either - he would likely demand a free role, which could mean having to play through the middle. That could create problems further back in their line-up, given Paul Pogba's preference to play as one of three central midfielders.

Alexis Sánchez, who earns similarly high wages to Bale, signed in January on a four-and-a-half year deal. United ought to seriously consider how to invest before committing to paying extortionate payments to both players as they enter their thirties.

Is it time to seriously consider giving the United job to Solskjaer full-time? Press play below to hear #TheFootballSpin with Dion Fanning, Paddy McKenna and Bearded Genius.

The big Brian Kerr interview

Irish football structures, being let go by the FAI, and the problem the youth has.